What is Group Counseling?

Group counseling is a highly effective means of addressing personal concerns - in fact it has been proven to be equally as effective as individual therapy, and in some cases more effective. Some groups that are often offered are focused on a particular subject or skill while others are more general in nature. The more general groups (named "understanding self and others") in nature are particularly beneficial if you:

Are concerned about how you relate to other people

Feel isolated, depressed or anxious

Experience discomfort in social situations

Lack intimacy in relationships

Have family of origin difficulties

Are dissatisfied with your friendships or romantic relationships

Struggle with low self-esteem and/or low self-confidence

Watch this brief video to learn more about group, how it can help, group myths demystified and more:

WHY DOES GROUP COUNSELING WORK?

Group members and counselors can:

Help you obtain support

Help you receive immediate, genuine feedback allowing an increase in your awareness of yourself and identification of aspects of your life you want to change.

Help you see that you are not alone in your problems

Help you resolve your difficulties, learn alternative ways of responding, and develop new ways of relating to others

What does a typical group session look like?

A group typically consists of 5 to 8 people who meet face to face with 1 or 2 group counselors to discuss their concerns.

Group sessions are confidential: what is discussed in group may not be disclosed or discussed outside the group.

Many groups last 8-10 weeks while others continue from one quarter to the next.

You can participate in as many groups as you would like, there are no limits to group counseling.

Groups vary in session format.

Understanding Self and Others

No specific topic for each group session

As a group member, you bring any issues to the group you feel are important

The primary focus of therapy in the group is on the interactions among you and other group members

This is done through disclosure (sharing about oneself) and feedback (giving/getting information about oneself) in order to learn about how we relate to one another and how to feel more connected

The Johari Window is a visual resource that helps demonstrate this process

Group as a Laboratory helps show how group members can try new ways of interacting within a safe and confidential environment